Headache treatment

How to get rid of a headache? Aspirin can be helpful as it can give quick pain relief (just like Ibuprofen or other pain relievers).

The recommended adult dose of aspirin is 325 to 650 mg, every three to four hours as needed, up to six times per day. Be careful not to overdose, because it may cause nausea and vomiting, or in extreme cases hallucinations, seizure, coma, and even death due to cardiac arrest.

Do you wonder how to get rid of a throbbing headache? Acetaminophen can be a good pain reliever for all types of headaches.

Dosage: Take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms last, but do not take more than 12 tablets in 24 hours.

You can buy Acetaminophen on Amazon.

Can you get headaches from stress? Yes, you can, and stress is only one of the causers. How to alleviate headaches? If your headache is only light then getting some fresh air may help. Also getting fresh air helps to prevent headaches in the first place. 

Getting some fresh air is also effective when you have a tension headache that is dull, aching pain, or sensation of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of your head.

Go out for a walk, or, even better, do exercises outdoors (jogging, hiking etc.), because the more clean air is inhaled the more oxygen your brain gets. 

Another way to get fresh air is to leave your bedroom window open when you sleep. Also keep plants in your home & work environment as they produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide from the air.

Do you have a sinus headache? Touch the upper part of the eye socket below the eyebrows. You will find a small groove in your skull around the center of the upper cavity. In this groove, there is a nerve which is very sensitive to pressure. If you press the nerve, you will feel intense pain. This pain will stimulate the pituitary to start to secrete endorphins. Endorphins are natural painkillers and are much stronger than morphine. To stimulate the nerve,  press it for about 10 seconds.

Note: This method may not always work. Also, if the pain you cause by this method is too strong to endure then stop it immediately. 

What causes headaches? Many factors, including mental effort, illness, etc. In most cases a headache is nothing to worry about, however there are cases where visiting the doc is a good idea. Those include: 


- If your headache lasts longer than a day;
- If the pain you feel is especially strong;
- If you experience a new type of headache you never had before;
- If your headache is accompanied by other issues such as fever, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck or rash;
- If you cannot sleep because of your headache;
- If you recently had an accident;
- If you have frequent headaches (e.g. 3 times per week);
- If your headache started after taking medicine;

If your headache stays for weeks or months, you should consider going to a neurologist who may apply advanced treatments (e.g. botox).

Do you have a headache that lasts all day? Do you feel discomfort around the jaw? Temporomandibular joint disorder affects the joints located just in front of your ear, which connect the jaw to the skull.

Do you wonder how to soothe a headache? Exhale and hold for a few seconds. Close your jaw to relax the muscles and repeat 10 times. Once you can do this comfortably, you can assist the stretch by pressing down on your chin with the fingers of both hands or the angle between your thumb and hand. Open first, then exhale as you assist for two seconds.

You can also watch this video for a more detailed explanation:

Are you not sure how to soothe a headache? Dexamethasone is a steroid medicine used to treat swelling and inflammation. It can be given along with a pain-relief medicine to help stop a severe headache from coming back within the next day or two. 

Dosage: 0.75 to 9 mg per day, in divided doses that should be taken every 6 to 12 hours. It is important to read the prescription before taking the pills.

Don't take Dexamethasone more than once because steroids may cause cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and many other health problems.

You can buy Dexamethasone here.

What is best cure for headache? Relaxing and stretching the muscles. Whenever you become aware of a tension headache (or migraine, or light headache), gently stretch your neck muscles. You may do this several times a day. Drop your shoulders down, let your arms fall loose by your side, slowly rotate your head from side to side, and gently bend your neck so that your head falls forward. Repeat until some of the tension is released. 

Watch this video to see how to stretch your neck muscles:

This technique is also useful to prevent headaches to happen in the first place. 

Why do I get a headache after working out? One of the common causes of headaches is said to be lack of water (dehydration). Drinking enough water can be important to prevent or mitigate any kind of headache, and it is especially effective if you're suffering from a dehydration headache (which may also be the case if you had too much caffeine).

Therefore:

• Always strive to drink at least 2 litres of water every day, especially if you have hangover headache;
• Drink a glass of water with every meal;
• Go for small amounts of water frequently,  200-250mls every 15-20 minutes, until symptoms subside;
• Drink water especially before and after exercise;
• Drink water whenever you feel your headache comes from a high blood pressure.

How to get rid of a headache fast without medicine? Try adding electrolyte powder in the glass of water. As a result of dehydration, you also lose electrolytes contained in the fluids.

Follow this 5 steps in order to replace the electrolytes:

1. Put a 500ml tap water in a 1000 ml bottle;
2. Add approximately 0.5g salt;
3. Add 500ml citrus juice which is a good combination with salt as it provides a balance for pH;
4. Add a half teaspoon of honey for a better absorption of minerals;
5. Before shaking well, put the cup on the bottle.
6. Drink!

While coffee can cause headaches in some people, for others the lack of caffeine can do the same. If you belong to the latter group (the one to who caffeine helps headache), take Excedrin, a pain reliever which includes caffeine and can help you get rid of the caffeine headache faster. 

If caffeine helps headache in the sense that it is the reason for headaches, or if you're suffering from a dehydration headache, then the obvious solution is to avoid products which contain caffeine such as coffee (obviously), soda or other caffeinated beverages, dark chocolate etc. See a list of products which contain caffeine here.

Do you wonder how to relieve tension headache or period headache? Ketoprofen treats pain caused by menstrual, migraine, and tension type headaches as well as other medical problems. 

Dosage: 25 to 50 mg orally, every 6 to 8 hours. Dose may be increased up to a maximum of 75 mg. It is important to read the prescription before taking the pill.

You can buy Ketoprofen here.

If you drank too much last night, and you got a morning headache, and if you feel unsure about how to get rid of a headache like this one, take Alka-Seltzer morning relief, which helps against hangover headaches, as well as other symptoms (fatigue and drowsiness). It contains baking soda which neutralizes the stomach acid. 

Click here to purchase Alka-Setzer.

With the index finger and thumb of one hand, gently massage the muscles along the occipital bone - from the outside to the inside. Then, drag your fingers along the spine. Repeat this four times.

You can watch this video which shows how to massage the muscles along the occipital bone:

Place the index finger and the middle finger within the temples and gently massage them with circular movements. After a few minutes, you will have a feeling that the skin of the head is slightly lifted and you will feel relaxed.

Bear in mind that this part of the face is very sensitive and it should not be too much pressure. Massage your temples should last about half a minute.

You can watch this video which shows how to massage your temples:

What causes headaches? Many factors. Ginger is one of the home remedies for headache, due to the fact that it's a natural analgesic (painkiller) and reduces the pain caused by headaches, muscle aches, and migraines. Rub two to three drops of the ginger oil to the forehead and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Or you can apply two to three drops in a diffuser, or place on a cotton ball or your handkerchief, and then inhale.

You can buy ginger essential oil here.

One of the natural remedies for headaches includes rosemary essential oil. Rosemary essential oil relieves the pain for many types of headaches, but the most common are migraine, cluster and headache, caused by stress.

Add a drop to your hands, and cup over your mouth and nose for up to a minute. You may also apply a drop topically to the aching parts of your head.

You can buy rosemary oil here.

Lavender essential oil is good for every type of headaches, but it is most effective for a gastric headache.

Just place a few drops of lavender oil into boiling water and inhale the vapors. Lavender oil can also be rubbed into the skin for pain relief. But, keep it away from your mouth and eyes — it’s toxic if ingested.

You can buy lavender oil here.

Why do i get a headache after working out or after I am physically active in any other way? If you're dehydrated, then you should avoid losing even more water, i.e. reduce physical activity, as it makes you sweat. 

A cold compress with ice (or anything else which is frozen, e.g. frozen vegetables) applied to the forehead can quickly relieve headaches. Put it on your head and temples for 10 minutes and repeat the process later if needed. 

Why it works: Coldness causes blood vessels to narrow, which improves blood circulation, which reduces the headache.

This technique works really well if the headache is caused by stress or sinuses. 

The heat may be of great help, especially when it comes to headaches caused by tense muscles. 

Put warm compresses to the neck and back of the head or try showering with hot water so that the jet will target the area of the neck. Make sure that the water is not too hot.

Lemon is very effective and powerful ingredient in the treatment of headaches and tension headache treatment and is said to be more effective if the headache is caused by stomach gas.

Consume lemon when it's mixed in warm water. Another way to use lemon is to paste the lemon peel on the forehead. It can also give you an immediate relief from headache.

The pen or pencil will activate your smile muscles and by smiling you will relax your jaw that is connected to the temple. No matter how bizarre this may seem, it is actually a tension headache treatment.

The reflexology method is said to be a good migraine headache treatment. With the thumb and forefinger of one hand, massage the thumb of the foot and place between thumb and forefinger. Keep it for one or two minutes.

This method does not help everyone, but some people do feel immediate relief. The sense of relief may be temporary or not, depending on the person.

You can watch this video which shows the reflexology method in action:

If you are looking for a natural migraine headache treatment try tightening something around the forehead, like a scarf, tie or shawl, very firmly, until you feel the pressure. This reduces blood flow to the scalp and reduces pain caused by swollen blood vessels, which trigger migraine. It is very easy to do, even when you're on the go.

Ibuprofen can be useful for a migraine, menstrual headache and headache during excercise.

Dosage: Take 1 caplet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist. If pain does not respond to 1 caplet, 2 caplets may be used, but do not exceed 6 caplets in 24 hours.

You can buy Ibuprofen here.

Almonds contain a chemical release that can alleviate the symptoms of headaches, and they are a good tension headache remedy.

Cayenne pepper can help you get rid of headaches, and is a good cluster headache medication, possibly the best medicine for tension headache and helps with headaches caused by stress. You can try it (in theory, when it comes to pepper, your stomach begins to secrete endorphins), but some research shows that it can act only if applied externally.

Read this article with a detailed explanation of a cayenne pepper and headache.

You can buy cayenne pepper here.

The nutrients in lime aid are reducing inflammation and may give you an immediate relief. Take half a lime and rub it on your forehead.

Fasting, eating high-sugar foods, dieting too rigorously, and skipping meals can all trigger, or make people more prone to headaches or migraine. This is usually due to people’s blood-glucose levels falling too low.

Therefore, ensure that you get sufficient food with all the nutrients the human body needs.

Apple cider vinegar can help you reduce migraines, throbbing and tension headaches. Try getting some ACV (apple cider vinegar) in the form of a steam-style treatment. 

You will need:

• 60 milliliters of ACV or 4 tablespoons
• 3 cups of boiling water
• Fresh cool water (1 cup)

Instructions:

Put 60 ml of apple cider vinegar into a bowl, and then fill the bowl halfway with boiling water. Place a towel over your head so that it drapes over the bowl, trapping the steam, and hold your face over it. Don't get close that it gets burned by the steam. Deeply inhale and excale for 5-10 minutes or until the water starts to cool down. Dry your face with a towel when you are done, and drink a glass of water.

Heat and cold packs, applied to the side of the face and temples in 10-minute intervals, may reduce the intensity of the pain affecting the muscles and the surrounding area of the jaw.

Certain postures in yoga can alleviate physical discomfort. The benefits of yoga include improved circulation, relaxation, healthy blood pressure, and heightened neurotransmitter levels. You just need to do it properly and to be persistent.

Watch this video on how to alleviate headache pain with yoga:

If you have frequent headaches and they started after taking certain type of medication, they might be due to the medication you took. The way to find out is to stop drinking that medication, after consulting a doctor. 

Naproxen is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by menstrual headache and cramps as well as other medical conditions.

Dosage: 1 tablet of 85/500 mg a day, or if you still have a headache, take one more tablet of naproxen 85/500 mg in a 24-hour period, taken at least 2 hours apart.

You can buy Naproxen here.

Stimulation of certain acupuncture points is said to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain.

Read this article for a detailed explanation of acupressure points.

You can also watch the video which shows how to practise this method: 

Applying peppermint oil to the skin helps with relieving tension headaches. Also, it can be used for other types of headache.

What you need:

• 0.15ml of peppermint essential oil (3 drops);
• 1 tablespoon of water or coconut oil;
• Bowl or cup to mix them in;
• Cotton ball or cloth to apply it to your forehead.

Instructions:

1. Add the peppermint essential oil and water to a container or a glass cup and mix them.
2. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and rub it across the top of your forehead.
3. Dip again the cotton ball back in the mixture and do it 2 or 3 times in the same way.

You should feel relief in about 30 minutes, but if your headache still persists, do the same process again.

If you have a more severe headache, use peppermint as described above, but follow with a damp cool compress using a clean hand towel. Place the compress to the forehead with your eyes closed and you laying down for a few minutes. Also apply on the back of neck for a few minutes. Be sure to keep the oils away from the eyes. Repeat this process as often as needed.

You can buy pure peppermint oil here.

Fish oil helps reduce migraines and chronic headaches because of its omega-3 fatty acids.

What you will need:

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) of fish oil or fish oil oral supplements (see the required dose on the bottle);
• 1 cup of orange juice.

Orange juice is important because of vitamin C and also can get rid of toxins in the body that cause headaches. You can use water instead of orange juice, but it may not be effective at all.

Instructions:

If you use the oil, mix a tablespoon into a cup of cold orange juice and drink it. If you use fish-oil oral supplements just swallow them with the orange juice. 

If you want to prevent hangover headache, the best solution is to avoid drinking alcohol at all. Or if you cannot do it, then limit your alcohol consumption, and never mix 2 or more drinks. If you drink beer, stick with it all night but don't drink too much.

According to a research published in the Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism in 2007, henna possesses anti-microbial and anti-analgesic properties that can help you relieve migraine pains and headaches. 

What to do:

1. Take some henna powder obtained from henna leaves, not the chemicals used for colors.
2. Mix the powder with some water so as to make a paste.
3. Apply it to the head and let it sit there for 30 minutes.
4. Wash the hair thoroughly with a shampoo.Keep in mind that henna will turn your hair color into red bright, therefore, be careful with it.

Triptans can effectively eliminate a migraine once it's starting by promoting constriction of blood vessels and blocking pain pathways in the brain. Among Triptan medications are Imitrex, Maxalt, Axert, Amerge, Zomig, Frova, and Relpax. There are also Triptans in the form of nasal sprays and injections.

However, beware serious side effects. Do not use Triptans if you are at risk of strokes or heart attacks.

Basil, among its other properties, can work as a muscle relaxant, which is especially helpful for headaches caused by tension or tight muscles. All you need to do during a mild headache indicating migraine, chew some fresh basil leaves. You can alternatively massage your forehead and temples with 3-4 drops of basil oil.

 Additionally, drink some basil tea. Simply steep 5-8 basil leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes and drink it.

Basil is known to work as a muscle relaxant, which is helpful for headaches caused by tension or tight muscles. Combining it with witch hazel can give an even better effect.

What to do:

1. Boil 2-3 cups of water and add 1-2 tea spoons of dried ground basil.
2. Let it steep until it's cool.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of witch hazel.
4. Take a cloth and soak it in this mixture.
5. Wring out all excessive water and place this cool compress on your forehead so that it covers your temples too.
6. Stay in this position for 15-20 minutes or until you feel better.

According to a few studies, taking feverfew regularly can seriously decrease intensity and frequency of migraine pain. You can take prepared tablets which are found at health stores and chemists'. Keep the dosage as directed.

Another option is using natural leaves. All you need to do is  pick the leaves and then eat them in any way you want (in a salad, sandwich, by themselves). Since feverfew leaves may taste bitter, you can add a bit of sugar or honey.

Consuming foods or supplements with omega-3 fats can reduce the severity and frequency  of pain as well as prevent migraines and headaches from occurring. Therefore, try to eat more ground flaxseed, Coldwater fish, olive oil, fish oil, seafood, dark green vegetables, walnuts, soybean. 

Mint tea prepared with can be an effective means of getting a relief from a migraine headache. All of the mint's main components, menthol and menthone are able to alleviate pain from headaches. 

What to do:

1. Boil 2-3 cups of water and add the mint leaves (2-3 table spoons of fresh leaves or 2-3 teaspoons of dried leaves).
2. Let it steep it for about 5-10 minutes until it cools down.
3. Soak a clean cloth in the tea and wring out all excess water.
4. Put the cloth on your forehead and temples.
5. Stay in such position for 15-20 minutes or until you feel better.

Mint tea prepared with can be an effective means of getting a relief from a headache. All of the mint's main components, menthol and menthone are able to alleviate pain from headaches. 

What to do:

1. Boil 1 cup of water and add the mint leaves (1 table spoon of fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves).
2. Let it steep it for about 5-10 minutes.
3. Strain it and drink.
4. You can add some honey if you feel like it.

Peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils can be extremely helpful in alleviating headache. Lavender oil is known to reduce muscle spasms and nervousness while peppermint and eucalyptus oils can relax mind by having a calming effect.

What to do:

1. Add 2 drops of lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oils into a cup of water.
2. Soak a clean washcloth in this mixture and wring out excessive water.
3. Put this compress over your forehead. You may cover your eyes for soothing effect, too.

It is believed that carrot juice promotes efficient blood flow towards the brain. Spinach is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, especially that concerns Vitamin B group, and magnesium, which enables it to relieve a migraine headache. Finally, ginger is often used as a home treatment for migraines. 

Simply put 4-5 carrots, 1-2 celery stalks, 10-12 leaves of spinach, 1 inch piece of ginger into a juicer and make a juice to drink it during a day.

 According to some researchers, Dong Quai's active ingredients coumarins are effective for migraine relief because they can dilate blood vessels, stimulate the central nervous system, and promote blood flow throughout the body. 

What to do:

1. Rinse 3 slices of Dong Quai properly.
2. Put some water and dong quai to the pot (it's advisable to use a clay pot or stoneware as metal pot won't preserve the herb's healing qualities). 
3. Cover the pot and put it on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the moment when it is boiling.
4. When it is, let it simmer for 20 more minutes and remove when only a half of the tea's original quantity remains.  
5. Drink the tea. You can add some honey if you want.

However, do not use this herb if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or during a menstrual cycle.

White willow's components, salicin and flavonoids make this herb a highly effective pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drug. The only issue here is that it works slowly, but as soon as it kicks in, the effect will also last for long. 

What to do:

1. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried white willow bark to 1-1,5 cups of water.
2. Boil it.
3. In a couple of minutes, reduce the flame and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Let it cool down and steep for about 30 minutes more.
5. Drink 3-4 cups of the tea a day.

Butterbur contains such components as petasin and isopetasin which are able to reduce spasms and inflammation to provide you with a pain relief. All you need to do is take a butterbur supplement (about 50-75 mg twice a day). 

However, do not use butterbur if you are pregnant or nursing.

Ergotamine and caffeine combination drugs (Migergot, Cafergot) are the most effective in cases when pain lasts longer than 48 hours.However, keep in mind side effects before taking the medication. 

You can also use dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal) which is an ergot derivative and appears to have fewer side effects than ergotamine. It can be purchased in forms of a nasal spray and in injection form. 

Opioid medications contain narcotics, they are habit-forming and are used as a last resort when nothing helps or you cannot take Triptans or ergotamines.

OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) is reported to be effective in treating chronic migraine headaches in adults. The procedure, in essence, means that injections are made in muscles of the forehead and neck. If proven to be effective for a patient, the treatment is usually repeated every 12 weeks.

Honey is a simple and natural remedy for headaches and migraine. It can ease the tension on the nerves by supplying fructose. 

You can simply eat two tablespoons of honey before each meal. Additionally, make honey tea or mix it in a glass of warm water. Drink the water several times a day. 

According to some scientific studies,  extra virgin olive oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties of anti-inflammatory drugs. Which is why, replacing other fats with extra virgin olive oil may help you ease the symptoms and, hopefully, prevent them.

A mixture of peanut butter with grated ginger is often recommended by holistic therapists. Your body will absorb Magnesium and Arginine and promote pressure release by blood vessels.

What you need to do is make a mixture of peanut butter and ginger and put it on your temples. Let it sit there for about three hours.  

It is well known that valerian helps with sleeping disorders. However, it can also be effective in relieving migraines and stress. Simply mix valerian tea with honey in a cup and drink it a couple of times a day.

Banana contains potassium and the ice will make a good cold compression. All you need to do is put the banana peeling on the forehead and then place ice over the peeling. Let it sit there for about 10-15 minutes or until you feel better.

Buckwheat possesses antioxidant properties which can counter the damage to cells as well as reduce the inflammation that is causing migraine headache. Therefore,  take buckwheat regularly in any of form you like it.

Dandelion root tea contains vitamins A, B, C and D as well as iron and nutrients which can help you alleviate the pain. 

What to do:

1. Put 1/2 tablespoon of dandelion root powder or dried root, 1/4 piece of a cinnamon stick, 8 oz. of water into a saucepan over high heat.
2. Let it boil it for several minutes.
3. Strain the tea and add a bit of honey if you want to sweeten the taste.
4. Drink a cup daily.

Riboflavin or vitamin B2 can promote energy production and protection of cells oxidative damage. Therefore, take about 400 mg of riboflavin daily for at least 3 months with a B-complex supplement. 

Other sources of riboflavin are: whole grains, broccoli, Spanish, asparagus, crimini mushrooms, yogurt, eggs, almonds, low fat milk, lamb, lean beef, liver etc. 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant nutrient which can promote blood flow to the brain, improve circulation, stabilize blood sugar, and protect cells from oxidative damage.

Take 60 mg of CoQ10 will act as a preventive measure against migraines. Among food you can also opt for are liver, kidney and heart of organ meat as well as whole grains.

Hydrogen peroxide can detoxify your body and, thus, give you a relief from a migraine. Therefore, take a hydrogen peroxide bath, soak in it until you feel better.

It has been proven that aerobic exercises can be an effective treatment for headaches and a preventive measure against migraines. By exercising regularly you reduce the tension in your body, get rid of some stress and relax. Moreover, aerobic exercises trigger the release of endorphins, a mild sedative. 

Therefore, try to spend 150 minutes doing a moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly. However, do not overtrain, as intense exercise will not prevent, but trigger a migraine.